Oak Observations January 2024
Following a historic winter storm, communities throughout the gorge are recovering from ice damage. It is well established that Oregon white oaks are incredibly resilient, but did you know that includes withstanding freezing cold? Yet another reason oaks make great neighbors!
According to OSU's Oregon Wood Innovation Center, "of the western hardwoods, Oregon white oak is one of the most resistant to damage from ice and snow." This is relevant not only for private landowners considering trees for their landscaping, it is also important to consider in the context of climate change as extreme weather events increase.
An article hosted on the US Forest Service website shares that "Wind, wet snow, and freezing rain damage Oregon white oak less than associated hardwoods" and "Dormant buds collected northwest of Corvallis, OR, withstood 5°F and twigs -40°F without injury." Not only can mature oak survive the extreme cold, they thrive despite it.
When we experience extreme cold and ice events, the strength and tenacity of oaks are all the more inspiring and their role for wildlife evident. Cached acorns are a critical winter food source for wildlife. Below is an acorn dropped by a jay during this week’s freezing rain event.
